696 



S. W. WILLIS TON 



Paleorhinus bransoni, gen. et sp. nov. 

 (Fig. 6). — A new genus of phytosaurs, somewhat more primitive 

 than any hitherto made known, though agreeing rather better with 

 Belodon than Phytosaurus, is represented in the cohection by a 

 nearly perfect skull in excellent condition. The genus is especially 

 characterized by the more anterior position of the external nares, 

 their nonseparation by the nasal bones, and by the more lateral 

 position of the orbits. The accompanying outline figure of the side 

 of the specimen will show the positions of the various openings better 

 than they can be described. Some of the sutures have not yet been 

 determined. The external nares are at the extremity of a nose-like 

 protuberance, the openings looking partly upward, partly forward 



ni/''N/l/ 



'/ \J \J V !■' I,' 



Fig. 6. — Skull of Paleorhinus bransoni. 



and outward, separated by two, thin, vertical plates, perhaps the 

 mesethmoids. The ontorbital opening is elongate oval in shape, 

 and situated between the orbits and nares. The anterior part of the 

 beak is turned downward, as in Phytosaiirus, and has a single large 

 tooth on each side. The posterior end of the mandible is shaped 

 much as it is figured in Mystriosuchus by Fraas, that is with a very 

 small angular projection situated low down. The front end of the 

 mandible is missing. 



Length of skull - - - - - - - - - 735 ™™ 



Length from tip of beak to nares . - . _ ^90 



Length to front end of orbits . _ . _ . ^5^ 



Width between orbits ------ 42 



Width of skull posteriorly (about) - - . . j^q 



From Typothorax Cope and Episcoposaurus Cope, based upon 

 fragments, the form is evidently different. From H eterodonto- 

 suchus Lucas, from the Trias of Utah, based upon the anterior end 

 of the mandible, I cannot state the differences with assurance. The 

 only available character given for that genus is the proximity of the 



